Pickling machine



March 26, 1929.

FIWAHR PICKLING MACHINE 'F'iled'May 25, 1926 s sheets-sheet -March 26, 1929. H. F/WAHR PICKLING- MACHINE,

- Filed May 25, 1926 v s Sheets-Sheet Patented Mar. 26, 1929.

PATENT: OFFICE.

' HARRY F. wArm, or WEST HOMESTEAD, PENNSYLVANIA. I

PICKLING MACHINE.

Application filed May 25,

- The present inventidn relates broadly to the art of cleaning scale frolniannealed sheets or the like, and more particularly to an improved pickling machine adaptable for Else in the pickling of miscellaneous metal products whether of ferrous or non-ferrous nature.

At the present time it is customary in the art to which the present invention relates to provide a plurality of baskets or carriersso mounted as to permit the same to be vertically reciprocated in such manner that the articles or sheets carried thereby may be subjected successively to baths of different characteristics. Ordinarily the opera tion necessitates the use of one or more acid baths followed by a rinsing bath in water and'in somecases a further treatment with an alkaline solution in the event the pickled material is to be held for future treatment.

, Customarily the .baskets'or other carriers containing the -material to be treated have been ree'iprocated vertically by means of fluid pressure, either steam or air being ordinarily utilized. This operating fluid has been permitted to exhaust into the atmosphere during. the entire operation, thereby necessitating either a comparatively large air compressor to furnish the necessary amount of compressed air or requiring the wasting of a considerable amount of steam.

Ithas also been customary in the art to effect the desired vertical movement of the baskets or carriers entirely'from a central ram or support. Due to the fact that the support cannot continuously support uniformly loaded carriers, it will be apparent that'the structure of the pickling machine is unbalanced during normal operation thereof. This unbalanced condition is transmitted to the central ramor support in'suchand other parts has resulted.

It has heretofore been proposed to construct pickling machines of a counter-balanced type wherein the repeated exhausting of the operating fluid has been rendered unmanner that non-uniform wearing thereof necessary and to effect the pickling recipro cations by means of mechanical power devices. In such constructions, however, not only has it ,been customary to overbalance' the weight of the apparatus by means of the air whereby'an actual pulling down has 1926. Serial-No. 111,523.

been "firanfizi' 4' by the iTeeIiahica power devices but the power has been so applied '65 as to result in non-uniform"'wear.'

The present invention has for cert'ain of its objects they provision" of an improved apparatus in which the operating load is more nearly balanced 'durin the operation of the machine whereby uniform conditions of wear are insured. I v v Still another object of 'the'invention is to provide a construction which maybe. operated while only partially counter-bah anced by air pressure, or other operating fluid, in such manner that the machine tends to return by gravity to a predetermined position, the reciprocation in the opposite di-- rection being-obtained by an independent power device. a

Still a further object of the invention is toprovide a construction in, which the. in-j dependent power device need not be mecharM ically connected to the machine, but which '75 cooperates with the machine in such manner that a centering operation is obtained.

invention, it being understood ..that the drawings do not define the limits of my invention as changes in the construction and. operation disclosed therein may be made withoutdeparting either from the spirit of 35 the invention or the scope of my broader claims. V

In the drawings, I a Figure 1 is a diagrammatic topplan view illustrating one arrangement of pickling machine constructed in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a view. similar to F ig-ure 1 illustrating another embodiment of the in vention, 95.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view-on an enlarged scale on a line IIIIII of Figure 2, and r Figure 4 is a viewsimilar to Figure 3 illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the form of invention illus trated diagrammatically in Figure 1, there is indicated a base 2 from which a main support or ram 3 projects upwardly. This ram is provided at its upper end with a prising a series of equi-distantly spaced outclearly shown in Figure 3, a plurality of wardly projecting radial arms 4. Each of these'arms is of such construction that it.

is adapted to have suspended therefrom a basket or carrier 5 for cooperation with vats 6 and 7, respectively. In the normal operation, the ram 3 and the superstructure are rotated to carry one of the baskets from the loading platform 8 to a position over the acid vat 6. In this position the carrier is lowered into the acid vat and. subjected to agitation therein by the reciprocation of the superstrueture.- After a predetermined time interval the superstructure is lifted and then rotated to bring the carrier fronrthe This sameacid vat 6 to the water vat 7. operation carries a fresh basket from the loading platform tothe vat 6. The operation is repeated successively, whereby the articles supported by the baskets or carriers are effectively cleaned and rinsed.

In Figure 2, 'a similar structure is illushated, the superstructure in this instance, however, comprising tour arms 4 and three vats 6', 7 and 9. The operation 1s similar to that previouslyreferred to with the exc'eption that the vats 6 and 7 may both contain acid, or the vats 7 and 9 may both contain water, or the vat 6 may contain acid, the vat 7 water and the vat 9 an alkali solution, or any .other usual or well'known arrangement may be utilized.

With both forms of the invention referred to it willbe apparent that due to the fact that one of the arms at all times cooperates with the loading platform'and while in such position may have either an empty carrier or no carrier thereon, the load is not equally distributed on' the superstructure. This unequal load distribution tends, in existing machines-,to pull the support or ram 3 laterally in such manner as to subject it and other partsto uneven wear. In accordance with the present invention, this objectionable tendency is entirely obviated by providing on the superstructure a plate 10 of suitable construction having on its under side, as

depressions 11 preferably presenting continuouuly and uniformly curved surfaces.

.These depressions are located a substantial distance from the axis of rotation of the ma chine, the distance being such that by providing power means 12 positioned substantially as indicated in the'drawings, a lift may be imparted to the structure at substantially the center of gravity of the loaded machine. In this manner compensation is effected for uneven load distribution, and uneven wear on the ram 3 and other parts is avoided.

As illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, the base 2 may be of such construction as to provide a downwardly extending cylinder 13 and laterally projecting supporting platforms 1%. Mounted onone ofthe platforms 14 may be an electric motor 15 having a suitable gear connection 16 to a crank shaft 17. The crank arm 18 of this shaft may be connected by a'pitman 19 to a plunger 20 guided by the cylinder 21. By reason of this construction it. will be apparent that as the motor 15 rotates, the plunger 20 will be alternately raised and lowered. In actual practice, the motor is preferably substantially enclosed Within the base 2, thereby protecting the same from the corrosive action of the fumes from the acid baths. The central plunger 3 extends from substantially the bottom of the cylinder .13

to the superstructure which itfl'carries. At

a point intermediate its length, the ram carries a piston 22 for cooperation with a cylinder 23. The cylinder 23 has a supply line 21 communicating with the same below the piston 22 by reason of the passages 25, and a second fluid line 26 communicating with the same above the piston 22. These lines I are provided respectively, with control valves 27 and 28 respectively. The cylinder 13 likewise has a connection 29 to the lower end of the cylinder 21, this connection being controlled by valve 30. i

In operation, fluid pressure is supplied to the lines 24, 26fland 29, whereby the lower end of the ram 3 and the bottom of the piston 22 and the' lower end of the plunger 20 are all subjected to air pressure effective for counter-balancing the weight of the machine while the upper side of the piston 22 is sub jected to the same pressure conditionsacting in opposition to the counter-balancing action and having-an effective tendency toward lowering the ram. differential pressure action is exerted on opposite sides of the piston 22, the pressure effective for counter balancing being 'greater than the pressure effective for moving the ram downwardly due to the fact that the- It will be. apparent that a.

tive through the plunger 20 for producing a series of vertical reciprocations of the superstructure and the baskets supported thereby. Due to the substantial counter-balancing of the weight of the machine, the motor 15 may be extremely small as its load will be comparatively negligible. Also, since this load is directly applied to the superstructure independently of the ram 3 and at a point substantial y coincident with the center of gravity of the loaded machine, frictional resistance and wear are both reduced to a minif a supplemental source 31 of fluid under presmum. v v

When it is desired to raise the machine to permit rotation of the carriers from one vat toanother", the valve 28 is turned whereby the interior of the cylinder 23 above the piston, is opened to the atmosphere through the connection 28 and communication between the line 26 and the cylinder cutoff. 1 In this manner,each lifting operation of the superstructure for transfer purposes may 'be-obtained by merely operating the valve 28 and will only involve the loss of the fluid contained withirrthe cylinder 23 above the piston,'the normal operationof the machine by 'reasonof the motor 15 being obtained without loss of fluid pressure. While the superstructure is in elevated position it will be clear of the plunger 20, thereby permitting rotation as required to bringa treated load of material to the loading platform and a Thereafter,npon' returning the valve 28 to itsorig inal position,"the weight of the machine will be such that it will lower by gravity into engagement with the plunger 20. The upper end of the plunger 20 preferably has a radius of curvature slightly less than the radius of curvature of the recess 11, whereby substantially a universal joint is provided between the superstructure and plunger of such nature that torsional strains are not trans mitted to the-plunger. Also, the character of the engaging surfaces of the plunger and recesses are such that the parts tend to automatically center themselves as will be apparent.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a machine of the general character herein contemplated must be adapt-able for handling loads, the-total weight of which varies over a considerable range. Where comparatively heavy loads are being handled, the pressure conditions existing in the cylinders 13, 21 and 23 will be comparatively high whereby the differential between the cylinders 13 and 23' will be sufficient to effect the desired lifting. With lighter loads, how- .ever, a differential of the character referred a point is reached at which the desired amount of counter-balancing-is exactly obtained. 1

In some cases it may be desirable-to provide a more accurate or sensitive counterbalancing than is obtained by the differential'betwcen the cylinders 13 and 23. In such cases the valve 30 in the form shown in Figure 3 may be constructed as& pressure reducing valve whereby some slight variation in pressure may be obtained in the cylinder 21. If desired, there may be provided a construction as shown in Figure 4 in which point whilethe differential between the cyl- .inders 13 and 23 will give an approximate- "counter-balancing. By slightly under counter-balancing at all times, irrespective. of load, no mechanical connection between the plunger 20 and the superstructure is are quired, and consequently no 'strains are transmitted to the superstructure by the motor during the gravity descent of the parts.

With apparatus of the character heretofore available in which the lifting has been accomplished by a central cylinder, it has been necessary to provide some mechanical tie, usually in the form of a chain, to prevent gra'dua'L creeping of the superstructuref VVit-h the construction of the character herein contemplated, any creeping is entirely prevented by reason of the engagement between the plunger 20 and the depressions 11, whereby the parts are held in central position at all times.

It will be ,understood that it is desirable in all installations of the general character referred to to prevent unnecessary jar tothe parts such as would result from a mechanical engagemenubetwcen the piston 22 and the lower end of the cylinder 23. The plungor 20, will, therefore, preferably be so constructed that at the limit of its downward movement there is sufficient clearance between the underside of the piston and the bottom of the cylinder to prevent undue shock.

lVith' the construction disclosed, in which a pressure differential is utilized, it is only necessary to providef asingle stufiing box 32 for the ram 3. This is true for the reason that the lower end of. the cylinder 13 may be permanently closed and for the reason that air passage between the cylinder 18 and the cylinder 23 is permitted. At the same time,

even with the use of a single stufling box,

the ram is effectively guided by its bearing in the stuffing box and its bearing provided by the piston 22. s

In the normal operation of the machine of the nature referred to, aboutninety percent of the operating time is devoted toward reciprocation by means of the motor 15 and .ten'perccnt of the time to llftingand turning. Assuming approximately thirty reciprocations per minute and an operating peri- 0d of nine minutes, it Wlll be apparent that two hundred seventy reciprocation are obtained without the loss of any fluid under pressure. Thereafter, by merely exhaustin the cylinder 23 once, the desired lifting of the superstructure may be obtained. Inasmuch as this exhausting involves only the loss of a small amount of fluid and inasmuch as it occurs at comparatively wide intervals throughout the operation of the machine, it will be apparent that a very small compressor will provide the necessary fluid under pressure for operating the parts, or that only a small amount ofsteam will be required inthe event steam is used.

Certain advantages of the present inven- 'tion arise from the provision of a counterbalanced pickling machine with independcut power operated means for reciprocating the same and effective only for lifting the machine.

Other advantages arise from the provision in a machine of the character referred to, of

means wliereby the effective counter-balancing action may be varied at will.

Still other advantages of the invention arise from the provision of a differential piston structure adapted to have both sides subjected to the same pressure with the result that the total pressure on one side is greater than the total pressure on the opposite side.

Still further advantages arise from the provision of an independent power operated mechanism effective substantially at the r nter of gravity of a loaded machine as well as from the provision of a construction such that automatic centering of the parts is obtained without the necessity of any mechanical connection between the power devices and the superstructure.

I claim:

1. In a pickling machine, a supporting frame, counter-balancing means for said frame, an operating ram for said frame, and independent mechanical means for effecting movement of said frame in one direction only.

2. In a pickling machine, a supporting frame, a support therefor, a plurality of carriers on said frame substantially equidistantly spaced from said support and means effective at one side of said support and substantially at the center of gravity of said frame when loaded for producing.

movement thereof.

3. In a pickling machine, a supporting frame, a lifting plunger for said frame, and

reciprocating means for said frame cooperating therewith at substantially its center of gravity when loaded and effecting movement of said frame in a manner similar to the movement effected by the moving of said plunger.

4. Lifting means for pickling machines comprising a superstructure, a plurality of carriers thereon, and means engaging said.

ture, a guiding ram therefor,*andmeans abut-ting against the underside of said superstructure at substantially its center of gravity when loaded with one empty carrierfor lifting the superstructure.

7. In a pickling machine, a superstructure, a ram carrying said superstructure, a piston, connections for subjecting opposite sides of 'said piston to the same pressure, said piston having a differential area effecti 3 on opposite sides, and lifting means c perating with said piston.

8. In a pickling machine, a carrier frame, means for under counter-balancing said frame, and means effective in an upward direction only for lifting said frame, said means having an abutting engagement with said frame, substantially coinciding with the center of gravity of the frame when loaded with one empty carrier.

9. In a pickling machine, a supporting ram, a cylinder into which said ram extends, a piston on said ram woiking within said cylinder and having .its opposite sides. nor- 'mally connecting with a source of fluid under pressure while maintaining the ram in whereby the superstructure will normally.

gravitate to a lower position, and means for the restricting of the delivery of fluid to one portion and thereby increasing the pressure differential at will for effecting movement of the superstructure in the opposite direction.

11. In a pickling machine, a superstructure, a ram supporting said superstructure, means for delivering fluid under pressure to opposite-portions of said ram for establishing a differential pressure condition correlated to the'weight of the superstructure wherebythe superstructure will normally gravitate to a lower position, and means for the restricting of the delivery of fluid to one portion and thereby increasing the pressure differential at will and for also releasing the pressure at a predetermined point.

12. In a pickling machine, a carrier a differential pressure condition correframe, means for under counterbalancing- 13. In a pickling machine, a carrier frame, means for under counterbalancin'g when loaded and for raising said frame, and

other means efi'ective in an upward direction only for lifting said frame, said last mentioned means having abutting engage- 10 ment with said frame.

In testimony whereof I, have hereunto set my hand. y s

f' I- IARRY F. I 

